A BOURNEMOUTH road is to be closed until tomorrow over fears that Storm Brian will uproot an "unsafe" tree.

Queens Park Avenue is shut between the Fiveways Avenue and Howard Road as a result of the planned work.

A spokesperson from Bournemouth council said the closure is due to an "unsafe, unstable tree on private property overhanging the road". 

"Our staff are on site monitoring the situation but weather conditions mean it is unlikely to be safe to fell the tree until tomorrow, so at this time we expect the road closure to be in place until at least midday on Sunday," she said.

A tree has also fallen near the Travelodge Hotel in Christchurch Road. 

Earlier today, a flood warning was issued for Poole Harbour at West Quay and Lower Hamworthy Quay.

The red warning - which means flooding is expected and immediate action is required - was in place between 11am and 1pm.

Environment Agency officials have warned that flooding may already be affecting properties, low lying areas and roads.

The forecast wind strength is force seven.

Flooding was also said to be possible in Wareham and Christchurch between 11.15am and 1.15pm. The forecast wind strength for both areas is force eight.

Train services between Weymouth and London Waterloo are now starting and terminating at Bournemouth.

South Western Railway said trains will no longer call at Weymouth, Dorchester, Wareham, Hamworthy, Poole, Parkstone, and Branksome this afternoon due to "forecast severe weather".

Bosses at Condor Ferries have also this morning cancelled trips from Poole today because of the storm.

A spokesperson from the company said: "A severe weather front is approaching the English Channel and Channel Island area this weekend with forecasted wave and wind speeds to be well outside our operational limits for our high speed vessels.

"As a result it has become necessary to cancel all high speed services on Saturday.

"All affected passengers should contact their booking agent or phone our contact centre on 0345 609 1026 to discuss alternative options.

"Phone lines are expected to be busy, please be patient."

Cancelled services so far include the 12.30pm from Poole to Guernsey and the 7.40pm from Guernsey to Poole.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: "Storm Brian is still causing problems across the county with high winds and standing water on the roads - please do slow down and take extra care out there.

"Officers are currently on scene at the A354 (Basan Hill) between Puddletown and Milborne St Andrew dealing with a fallen tree blocking the road.

"The back road between Winterborne Herringston and Winterborne Monkton is also partially blocked by a BT line that has come loose but is passable with care. BT engineers are aware and on their way.

"Portland Beach Road and Preston Beach Road both remain open at this time although the strong winds continue to affect driving conditions."

A spokesperson for the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has also warned motorists to slow down, maintain a safe gap behind the vehicle in front, look out for vulnerable road users and use lights in gloomy weather or when visibility is reduced.

Gusts of between 50 miles per hour and 70mph are expected to coincide with high tides across the south of England on Saturday, with the potential to cause treacherous waves in coastal areas.

The second named storm of the season, caused by a "weather bomb" of low pressure in the Atlantic Ocean, may also cause flooding along the coast, the Met Office said.

The weather service has now extended its yellow warning for wind to the whole of the southern and western coast of England from 4am on Saturday, with south-westerly areas thought to be among the worst affected.

In Boscombe, 270 people are still without electricity after a power surge last night.

Do you have photos of Storm Brian? Email us at newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk or Tweet us @bournemouthecho